We're just about down with 2015 already and there's still plenty of stuff happening. We've got places opening, closing, rumors, and a much-ballyhooed burger to read about in this month's Quick Denton Business Update. Click through to get the latest on Denton's business happenings.
First off, let's talk a little more about Hailey's. Two weeks ago, we reported that Hailey's would be closing down at the end of this calendar year and that it would then be split into two concepts that would both open in 2016. At the time, we were unsure of what those concepts would be, but GuideLive reported today that the first concept to be held in the east section of what is now the "other" bar in Hailey's will become a "sports barcade." The barcade concept merges beer with classic arcade games. We have never seen it paired with sports before, but we're hearing rumors of darts and basketball hoops amidst the games. We're already excited about a future post in which we can hopefully match arcade games with craft beers. We're thinking Armadillo Ale Works' Quakertown Stout might go nicely with a game of Time Cop and that Audacity Brew House's Bulletproof might pair with 25¢ worth of Galaga. If you're interested, the business is currently asking for name suggestions on their Facebook page.
“We’re thinking Armadillo Ale Works’ Quakertown Stout might go nicely with a game of Time Cop and that Audacity Brew House’s Bulletproof might pair with 25¢ worth of Galaga. ”
The Denton Record Chronicle reported this week that The White House coffee shop has ceased operations on Bryan St. At this time, no formal statement has been made by the business so we aren't sure if they are revamping or actually closing for good. Maybe they will be going back to their old name 2 B's and a V, but we kinda doubt that.
Last year it was announced that the Fine Arts Theater on the square was being renovated and eventually reopened by the McBride family. After many setbacks and very little progress, it now looks as if the building may be under contract with Sparky Pearson (LSA, Barley and Board) and Jason Lee to turn it into a art house theater. Whatever your thoughts on the "Midlakification" of Denton, this theater finally showing movies again would be kinda awesome.
The old space on Elm at Congress that was once a Winchell's Donuts is currently in the process of being renovated and will be TJ's Pizza's new home soon enough. They will be relocating from their current space on Carroll Ave.
Everyday Nectar Juicebar is now open in the retail space of The Adagio apartment complex on S. Locust St. next to Shift Coffee. Stop by and grab a wheatgrass shot to celebrate with them!
Y'all had a chance to check out Denton's newest food truck? Dumpling Bros. are up and operating all over Denton. We had the chance the other week to try their combo featuring their titular dumplings and some fried rice. They asked us, "Would you like the kimchi fried rice?" We said, "Uh...yes." They followed with, "Would you like SPAM in your kimchi fried rice?" It was a question that not only had we never been asked before, but a series of words that we had never expected to hear together in a sentence. Nevertheless, we replied, "Sure!" Long story short: kimchi fried rice with SPAM is pretty damned good. Also, they just released a burger this week which we are excited to check out. Check out their Twitter to find out where they are throughout the week.
Also in the world of food trucks, the best local BBQ place just opened a BBQ trailer with their delicious smoked meats. They've hung out at Audacity and Austin St. Truck Stop and we hope to see them around a lot more. This does put us at about three BBQ trucks at the moment, though. Can Denton support Kendrick's, Tha Smokin' Chef, and Bet the House? If you're as hungry as we are, maybe so. Also, Bet the House is currently offering a special on Holiday meals if you want to stop by to pick up your turkey/ham/whatever the day before Thanksgiving and get out of cooking something yourself. Check our their Facebook page for more info.
Dix Coney Island is open for business and has erected a bright neon sign outside of their building. They are currently open and serving inexpensive hotdogs, chili dogs, burgers, and all sorts of breakfast 24/7. Have y'all had a chance to stop by yet? There have been many Denton businesses that have opened up with similar hours, but few last for two long. Cafe Brazil and La Sabrocita are both open 24 hours on the weekend, but Dix is open late Monday through Friday and apparently in it for the long haul.
Juicy Pig Barbecue will soon open in the old Amitea space. They've had two recent paint jobs and the new one is growing on us. We're pretty pumped for this space which will be Greenhouse and Loco Cafe owner, Ken Currin's third restaurant on Locust St. Local food queen, Pam Chittenden, is onboard as the "Creative Genius" - Currin's title, not ours. The Juicy Pig was the name for a former Denton 'que joint that we've heard nothing but good things about. We're also happy to see another Nicole Newman Probst logo flying high in town. While The Juicy Pig was hoping to open in the beginning of November, they aren't quite there yet, but Chittenden is apparently having previews of the menu at The Greenhouse next door every Monday evening.
In the world of co-working spaces, The Railyard is currently open with a few tenants taking up space. Reverb, a recently announced co-working space in downtown Denton, will open on Oak St. where Scrap used to be in 2016.
The Railyard.
Muddy Jakes on Hickory St. is now closed. WDDI-fella, Glen Farris says that he kinda dug their burger, but he says that about most things so that's whatever. But...if you are hungry for a burger, D Magazine's Catherine Downes called Barley and Board's burger "the best burger I've tasted all year," a sentence we echo wholeheartedly. So, go grab that onion and american cheese-laden piece of deliciousness if you haven't already. It is way tastier than any turkey.
After eating a few of those burgers, if you need to burn off a few calories, make sure to stop by Summit Climbing Gym on Oak St. which is currently open for business.
And finally, Denton's arguable best house show venue of all time, Macaroni Island, called it quits with a sold out show earlier this month. RIP Mac Island. Remember when The Appleseed Cast played there? That actually happened. Also, we miss your coffee beans. Well done, Michael Briggs.